What to expect when you visit Church of the Ascension

We open our doors to those who seek a better life.  As a traditional Anglican parish, we offer spiritual guidance and support to those who worship with us.  We love the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds.  We seek, as a faith community, to praise and honour and glorify Him!

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to walk into a church for the very first time; sometimes there can be an anxiety that is typical when entering a new social situation.  This page is meant to offer visitors a sense of what to expect when you visit us.

If you're not used to a traditional liturgical service you might feel lost at times - that is perfectly normal - we do not expect you, as a visitor, to "get" the order of service.  Please relax, and if you prefer, participate as an observer - just revel in being in God's house together with other worshipers who love Him!  We feel blessed by our church, its rich traditions and beauty - we hope you will feel blessed by it too.

You will be greeted when you enter the church - please let the Usher know that you are a visitor so they can offer you helpful information.  We want you to be comfortable and feel warmly welcomed to join our church for worship.  You will be provided a Church Bulletin that details the order of service, the page numbers in the Common Praise Hymn Book (large blue or small blue) for each hymn to be sung and the page numbers in the Prayer Book (small red or large green) for the liturgy.  The Bulletin also contains an insert with the day's Bible Readings, the Collect of the Day (the opening prayer), the Prayer over the Gifts (for the Offertory) and the Prayer after Communion.  Do not be concerned in the least if you lose your way - even long-attending members sometimes do!  If you wish, turn to a person near you and ask them to guide you back to the correct page - they will be happy to do so.

The Church of the Ascension is part of the Diocese of Huron within the Anglican Church of Canada.  Our Eucharistically-centered worship is founded in the conservative Anglican liturgical tradition.

There is no formal 'dress code' at The Church of the Ascension and what you wear depends on modesty and your personal preference - some folks 'dress up', others are 'business casual' and still others are 'casual'.  Our concern is not upon your outer appearance but rather that we 'come as we are' to worship together to glorify God.

Traditional Anglican services follow a pattern that begins with the gathering of the community, then listening to and reflecting on the Scriptures.  The Rector offers an engaging 15-20 minute homily (sermon).  The community then brings the needs of the world and the community to God in prayer, and the group partakes in the holy meal of bread and wine, before being sent forth into the mission of daily life.

You will notice that communal prayer is an important part of how we worship together.  Our services draw from a rich tradition of set prayers, either from the Book of Common Prayer, based on 16^th century rites, or the more modern Book of Alternative Services (1985).

The Holy Eucharist (also known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion) is a central part of Sunday and Wednesday services and takes place before the altar at the Communion Rail.  If you are a Baptized Christian who normally takes communion (a regular communicant) in your church, you are invited to receive the Holy Eucharist.  If you are not, you are still welcome at the Communion Rail; cross your arms over your chest to indicate you will not take Communion and the Priest will bless you instead.   You can also choose to stay in your seat during this part of the service – it’s up to you!

Intinction (dipping of the host in the wine) is no longer practiced in our diocese.  Gluten-free wafers are available, talk to the Priest.  If you have symptoms of illness, please refrain from sharing from the chalice (cup of wine).  Any member of the parish can choose to receive the host only.

Our services follow the six seasons of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost) and the lectionary, a set list of Bible readings for the year.

Anglican worship is enhanced by the presence of symbols throughout the Sanctuary including those of our two sacraments — an altar for the Eucharist (at the front) and a font for baptism (at the back).  You will note the prominent cross, the symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection, and candles, which remind us of the light of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.  The stained-glass windows portray biblical stories and contain meaningful symbolism; stained-glass representations were an important form of teaching when, in bygone days, many parishioners could not read and write.

You may notice that some (not all) parishioners at The Church of the Ascension face the altar and bow, or bend one knee to the floor, before sitting in a pew or coming before the altar; this is known as "genuflection" and is a sign acknowledging the presence of, and honouring of, Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  Since the Blessed Sacrament is normally present behind the altar in Anglican churches, genuflection is usual when arriving or passing in front of the altar at the communion rail.  When genuflecting, making the sign of the cross is optional.

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"When someone first comes to our [church], many things appear foreign and strange.  As time goes by, that which seemed exotic becomes commonplace, as one grows used to observing what is being done and understanding why it is being done.  For each action, it might be best to ask yourself, “Do I understand what I am doing, or am I just mimicking those around me? Now that I know why this or that is being done, does it serve as an external expression of my faith?”

For example, one could make the sign of the Cross every time those around are doing it.  In such cases, the objective is to display conformity with those surrounding you, not to express our acceptance of Christ by “sealing” yourself with the sign of His Holy Cross.  When should you begin making the sign of the Cross, for example?  When you feel that it is an expression of that which you accept and believe. Then it is being done, not as a sign of conformity, but as an expression of faith.

As you journey closer to [our traditions], I would recommend that you begin assimilating such practices into your experience as your comfort level rises.  If there is something you do not understand, simply ask the priest - he will be more than happy to explain things to you.  Gradually embrace that which is happening as your level of understanding and acceptance grows.  And try not to let your focus on what others are doing overshadow your focus on Christ and the Liturgy.  I think you will find that this is a “natural” way to grow into the Christian Faith as well as a guarantee that the external expressions of our faith serve the purposes for which they are intended.  Never try to ‘rush’ things”. [From OCA, July 2019]

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Coffee Time, with coffee, tea, juice and desserts follow the 10:30 Choral Eucharist each Sunday and the 10 am Holy Eucharist each Wednesday.  The next scariest thing for some visitors - besides walking in the front door - is to attend coffee time.  We truly hope you will jump out of your comfort zone and join us in the church hall for coffee time (the entryway is to the front-left of the Sanctuary).  Help yourself to coffee, tea, or juice, and a dessert then sit down anywhere you wish.  If you can, find the Usher who welcomed you and sit with them.  Let those at your table know you are a visitor and they will make you feel welcome.  Our clergy typically mingle and when one of them greets you it offers an opportunity to ask any questions you may have of them. 

Our church hosts many programs including a prayer group; Bible studies; Sunday School & Nursery; Youth, Women’s and Men’s groups; Alcoholics Anonymous groups; and marriage & Christian counseling for members.  We have other activities throughout the year, many include the sharing of food, keep your eyes on the Events page for dates.  Our parish supports several charities including The Anglican Relief and Development Fund, several other Anglican funds & endowments, Ronald McDonald House and an orphanage in South Africa.